FAIRFIELD, NJ - The Black Bear population around the state is just becoming active after the winter hibernation season, and sightings have been reported several times in Fairfield this past week. This photo, taken at on Sunday, May 3, at about 2pm, shows a Black Bear crossing over Grace Court in Fairfield.

Credit: John Seragusa

Since Sunday, Black Bears - possibly the same bear - have also been reported in several other locations around Fairfield:

This photo, taken last year by Fairfield Police, also shows a Black Bear walking in the vicinity of Big Piece Road and Horseneck Road in August of last year.

"In most cases, a black bear, if not cornered, will be wary of people," Manna commented last year. "However, black bears that are accompanied with their cubs,present the need for residents to have a heightened level of awareness."

Credit: Fairfield Police Department

Once found only in habitats around northwestern New Jersey, the Black Bear has been expanding its territory through all 21 counties in New Jersey and its populations have been increasing. They are not only the largest animal found in the state, but a vital component of its ecosystem as well.

Bear's Behavior

The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground; these are warning signs that you are too close

The bear may stand on its hind legs or moves closer; it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air; it is usually not a threatening behavior

Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms; if you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head

Make sure the bear has an escape route - it may climb a tree, or if it has entered your home, prop all doors open

DO NOT RUN AWAY, instead, slowly back away to a secure area

“Residents can substantially reduce the risk of interactions with bears this spring by taking a few simple and commonsense precautions, starting with avoiding intentionally or unintentionally feeding bears, a situation that can create nuisance bears in neighborhoods,” said David Chanda, Director of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Safety PrecautionsThe Black Bears are roaming the area with the expectation of finding food. While it is illegal to intentionally feed the Black Bears in New Jersey and is also punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, residents commonly don't realize that they are attracting the bears with their garbage, their pet foods placed outside, and their outdoor cooking odors. The most common problem among residents is Black Bears getting into their garbage which the bears can easily smell from wide distances away.

Wildlife experts from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency remind residents that unless a bear is directly causing a safety threat to humans or to a home, they should be left alone. There are, however, safety precautions everyone can take to decrease their chances of attracting a bear to their home:

Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a "Bear Plan" in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns

Never feed or approach a bear

Secure your trash; use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement or a sturdy shed

Eliminate bird feeding - if you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily

Eliminate other food sources: do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles and remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard

Install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock

Throughout New Jersey, anyone who wishes to report a Black Bear to the DEP may call the 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-927-6337.